Kaikōura Whale Watching Helicopter Tour: Sperm Whales & Views

Spot whales from the air, then land on a mountain for views across the ocean and ranges

A 2-hour helicopter whale watching tour over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you fly low enough to photograph sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas and Dusky dolphins. The helicopter lands on a mountaintop in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. A live English-speaking guide is included, along with pickup, life jacket and headphones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter whale watching and scenic views

• Fly over Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary
• Spot whales and dolphins
• Look for Dusky dolphins and fur seals
• Fly along Kaikōura coastline
• Land in Seaward Kaikōura Ranges
• Enjoy 360-degree mountaintop views

The Experience

What makes this different from a boat-based whale watch is the vantage: a helicopter's manoeuvrability lets you follow whales and dolphins across open water and spot them before they surface, with close-up photo angles a vessel can't reach. You'll fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales and orcas move through the water year-round, along with Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore.

The route heads north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline, then lands on a mountaintop in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From that exclusive location, you get 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains—a moment most visitors to the region never reach. The whole experience runs 2 hours from start to finish.

Pickup is included, and you'll wear a life jacket and headphones for the flight. The tour operates with a live guide speaking English, and it's wheelchair accessible; infants sit on an adult's lap. All fitness levels can go.

What’s included

• Pickup from your location.
• life jacket and headphones.
• 2-hour helicopter flight over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve.
• mountaintop landing in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges with 360-degree views.
• live English-speaking guide throughout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by South Pacific Helicopters NZ

Is this one for you?Book this if you want close-up whale photography and a vantage most visitors to Kaikōura never reach—the helicopter's manoeuvrability and the mountaintop landing give you angles and access a boat tour can't offer.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What whales and marine animals will I actually see on this helicopter tour?

Sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales and orcas move through the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve year-round. You'll also spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore. The helicopter's manoeuvrability lets you follow them across the water and get close-up photo angles a boat can't match.

How long does the whole helicopter tour take?

The tour runs 2 hours total, including the flight over the sanctuaries, the landing on the mountaintop and the views from the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.

Where does the helicopter land, and what do I see from there?

The helicopter lands on a mountaintop in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, an exclusive location most visitors never reach. From there you get 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.

Is pickup included, and what do I need to bring or wear?

Pickup is included with the tour. You'll wear a life jacket and headphones during the flight; both are provided. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants sit on an adult's lap.

Can I take photos of the whales from the helicopter?

Yes—the helicopter's manoeuvrability offers close-up photo opportunities of whales and dolphins that you can't get from boats. The mountaintop landing also gives photographers 360-degree views of the coastline and ocean.